The repatriation of giant panda cubs is carried out in accordance with the China-Malaysia agreement – NRECC
KUALA LUMPUR: The repatriation of Liang Liang’s two giant panda cubs, namely Yi Yi and Sheng Yi to China on August 29 was carried out in compliance with the International Cooperation Project Agreement on Giant Panda Conservation between Malaysia and China.
The Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) in a statement today informed that previously the proposed shipment of Yi Yi was delayed due to the closure of the entrance to China due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him Liang Liang and his partner Xing Xing were loaned by China to Malaysia on 21 May 2014 in conjunction with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the republic.
“The loan period is for 10 years starting from the date of arrival of the giant panda couple in Malaysia and through the successful ex-situ conservation of Malaysia, the giant panda Liang Liang has given birth to three female cubs namely Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi.
The first giant panda cub, Nuan Nuan was repatriated to China in 2017, while Yi Yi and Sheng Yi will be repatriated this August 29 (Tuesday),” according to the statement.
Last week National Zoo Deputy President Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana was reported to have said that Yi Yi and Sheng Yi will be sent back to China, but the republic has not set a specific date for the two panda cubs to travel.
Meanwhile, NRECC said a 17th Birthday Celebration Ceremony for Xing Xing and Liang Liang was held on 23 August at the Giant Panda Conservation Center (PKGP), Zoo Negara.
It was organized by the China Cultural Center Kuala Lumpur (CCCKL) in collaboration with Zoo Negara, and was attended by the Deputy Secretary General (Natural Resources) of NRECC, Abdul Wahid Abu Salim.
Also present were representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia, the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce and the Malaysian Zoological Society (MZS).
“The event was graced with various side activities such as a Sichuan cultural show as well as a drawing and coloring competition. It is seen to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving habitats and endangered wildlife species, as well as strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
“NRECC also hopes that giant panda diplomacy can further strengthen the understanding between Malaysia and China,” according to the statement.
source – BERNAMA
